What is your first name? Kristen
What are your kidsʼ names? I only have one, his name is Dakota and he is almost 5
Were you ready for motherhood?
Not really, he was definitely a surprise for us! I think I adapted pretty well but after thinking I would never have children (I was told I wouldn't be able to get pregnant on my own) I had started building my life around that fact. Needless to say, when I got a positive test, I about fell in the toilet from shock! Beside my husband, he is absolutely the best thing that has ever happened to me!!
Have you ever met someone who has completely inspired you to be a better person? Can you tell us about that relationship and how it has affected you?
Dakota for sure. He and James (DH) continually inspire me to be a better person and live up to the wholesome, loving, caring, gentle mother God intended me to be. Outside my immediate family, well, yes and no. My mom has really been an inspiration to me, but its only recently that I've come to appreciate and grasp the positive example she was for me growing up. There are things I would (and will) do differently than she did, but for the most part, she set a great example for me by being really optimistic and that's sorely needed this day and age!
Do you have any nervous habits? What are they?
Yes, several but I've worked and over come each one so far. When I was young I would bite my nails, thank goodness for my grandma who promised me a new birth stone ring if I would stop! Then I started smoking when I was about 19 and quit cold turkey when I got pregnant. Then after Dakota was about 15 months or so I picked it back up (can you say DUMB??) and then quit again for good this last July. I was never a pack a day habit so it wasn't that hard, but I just had to finally kick the butt!! lol!
Did you ever date a guy your parents did not like? Were they right about him?
Not really, my dad was never around when I was dating and my mom actually encouraged me to date (I was more interested in a good book!) so I would say it was the other way around. I didn't want to and when I did, I was right, he was a jerk! But thankfully after a few bad apples, I found my prince charming and so far we've lived happily ever after.
What do you want your kids to remember the most about you?
Good question. I guess what any mother would want their children to remember about them - that I was kind, thoughtful, helpful, loving, caring, gentle but firm, things like that. But probably most of all, I want him to remember that I was always there for him no matter what.
What did you learn the most from your mother?
To always stay optimistic, look for the good in people and in life. When life gets you down, just stay positive and press on. I look at my mother as the eternal optimist and even though I don't always agree with her, I think the basic idea is a good one and very helpful when life hands you lemons. To my mom the glass is always half full and because she can visualize the other half being there, its easy for her to see the potential happiness in every situation. It really has been helpful.
How many coupons do you use on a regular basis? What is your best money saving tip?
I use many, many coupons everywhere. I think my best money-saving trip is to start small. You can't go from a non-coupon user to a super spend thrift overnight. Start by clipping a few coupons, maybe get an organizer and work your way up. I started that way and gradually over time got more and more organized and smarter about using coupons and saving money. I've learned to compare prices (even with a coupon, sometimes the other brand is still cheaper!) and always look for a better deal. Even when buying clothing, furniture, going out to eat, I almost always have a coupon or know of a good deal but that took time and like I said, didn't happen overnight! I've had to work it into my routine and now it’s a part of my lifestyle.
How did you find Mommysavers? Have you referred anyone here? Were you referred here?
I was just browsing the internet one day and stumbled upon it! Greatest find of my life!! I'm ashamed to say I haven't. I kept it to myself because I loved having a place I could vent and really be myself without anyone close to me knowing all those intimate details!
Out of all the things the members here have offered in terms of advice, support, counsel and criticism, what have you personally benefited from? And do you remember specifically who the member was that offered that advice?
I've learned so much I can't really put my finger on one specific person or piece of advice, but I think the best part of being here is the friendship and along with that everyone here has been instrumental in one way or another in my continued growth as a thrifty mommy!
Have you ever met a mommysaver? Not yet but I hope to one day soon!!
What is the most romantic thing your dh ever did for you?
He's pretty romantic for a guy who grew up without a mom so what is really romantic to me may not be very romantic to some! I guess the most romantic thing would be when he proposed to me. I was 6 months pregnant and it was Christmas time. We were getting ready to leave to visit my mom and I wanted some Chinese take-out in a bad way! He went out to get it and was gone for over an hour. I was so worried, I thought he was in a car wreck or something because he wasn't answering his cell phone! When he finally got home he just said the traffic was bad and the line for take-out was really long. So I believed him and we ate our dinner together. When we were done he asked if I wanted my fortune cookie. I said no thanks, I was full. His face just fell, I could tell he was disappointed. I was confused so I said I would take it anyway. So he handed it to me and I could see a twinkle in his eyes! Lo and behold, I opened the wrapper and what was inside?! My engagement ring!! I was really excited and surprised! I found out he had sat and tried to get the ring in there without the cookie breaking for about 30 minutes! He went through about 20 cookies! lol! It was really sweet!
Tell us five things you like about yourself.
My eyes, my legs, my inner strength, my loyalty and my adaptability
What hobby do you enjoy the most? What got you started on it? How would you rate yourself? Can you show us a picture of your proudest piece of work?
Probably a tie between cross-stitching and my newly realized hobby, party planning! I enjoy both but I don't have a picture of any of my cross-stitching work. I do however, have pictures of a Christmas party we planned and you can view those on my blog under December:
The Gills - Adventures of an Air Force Family
How many frogs did you kiss before you found Mr. Right? Was he worth the wait? Oh yes, he was worth it for sure!! I kissed about 6 or 7 other frogs before I found DH.
What is your favorite genre of music? Who is your favorite group? Have you ever seen them in concert?
I like all kinds of music so I can't really confine it to one genre or group. I listen to everything from Amy Grant to the Red Hot Chili Peppers to Rascal Flatts. I love just about anything but hard core rock although I'm not a big fan of jazz.
List three things you have on your Life List; things you would like to accomplish before you leave this world:
See my grandchildren, travel to at least 3 other countries, celebrate my 50th wedding anniversary!
Which room in your house best reflects your personality?
I would say my living room. Its simple, but pretty, it has the basic furniture, but its unique in its own way, its comfortable and inviting. I would like to think I have at least a few of those traits in my personality!
What do you see your children growing up to be like? What career path would they choose?
I think Dakota will grow up to be very strong and not easily swayed one way or the other. He would make a great doctor or lawyer but of course what he decides to do is up to him! I'll be happy as long as he is happy, healthy and doing something positive with his life!
Is there something we would never guess about you? Some kind or quirk you have no one close to you knows about. (Cʼmon tell us!!!!)
Hmm, I don't know! I'm not really all that exciting! Most everyone close to me knows everything about me! Some of you may not know that I am really tall (almost 6 ft!), that I'm in the Coast Guard Reserve and that I technically out-rank my husband! lol! Quirky, I would say I have a slight OCD complex and have lots of things I'm really picky about around the house! For example, I actually clean off my cleaning supplies! lol! If they get dirty or something spills on them, I have to wash it off. Crazy, but that's me! lol!
Are there words you live by? What are they?
Nothing specific, I try to maintain a habit of putting myself in the other person's shoes before I judge or speak to them at all. I always loved the saying: "Life is not about the number of breaths you take, but about the moments that take your breath away." That always rings true for me. I live for the goose bump moments. You know, those times when you are so excited or so touched you just get goose bumps! I love that and always try to find what I think will be a goose bump moment to look forward to!
**Disclaimer**
MS Mom of the Week is a fun way for us to get to know the Mommysavers members. Newbies to the board as well as regulars are welcome to participate. The Mom of the Week is randomly selected a week in advance of her being featured. I do this so I can contact you, let you know your feature date, and arrange to receive a picture from you to include with the survey. Having a picture included is so we can make it a little more personal and put a name to a face. This is optional of course, as are all the questions being asked. If I don’t hear back from you before your “feature” date, I will randomly select the next person and then get back to you the following week. If you would like to participate please
PM doozer and we will get you signed up
Mommysaver of the Week ***KOTASMOMMA03***
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